Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to extend my best wishes to the Jewish community in Australia, in particular on the Sunshine Coast, ahead of Passover. Passover is a time of reflection and hope, symbolising the resilience of the Jewish people. This year's Passover will be marked by solemnity as Jewish Australians continue to grieve following the Bondi terrorist attack and those attacks on 7 October in southern Israel, and many still worry about loved ones in Israel amidst the current conflict. Yet Passover brings comfort and light. Passover commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and their journey toward freedom in the promised land. It's a story of hope and triumph which continues to resonate today. Just as the Jewish people were pursued by pharaoh, they continue to face the evils of antisemitism today. Passover is a timeless reminder that the Jewish people not only survive but thrive while the forces of hatred fade into history. Passover also reminds us of our shared responsibility to stand against antisemitism. It is unacceptable that Jewish people live in fear because of who they are, especially here in Australia. The Bondi attack tragically demonstrated the deadly consequences of unchecked hatred.

I'd also like to extend my best wishes to all Christians, who will be celebrating Easter this week, in the lead-up to Sunday. It's always special when Easter and Passover overlap, and it's especially fitting, as we know that Easter itself has Jewish roots. After all, Easter centres on the death, burial and resurrection of a Jew who lived in Israel over 2,000 years ago and who himself celebrated Passover. The resurrection of Jesus Christ offers profound hope in these challenging times. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice by dying on the cross for us and then rising from the dead, defeating death itself so that we may have eternal life. Amidst the suffering we see around the world, this message shines through the darkness, offering Christians enduring hope. It represents a time when we acknowledge a god of love, who loved the world so much that he sent his only son to die on the cross so that we could have life.

As we reflect on the significance of both Passover and Easter, let's draw strength from these messages of hope. I wish the Jewish community a happy Passover and all Christians a blessed Easter.